In the late 1980s, Mark Gjerde started tinting cars for friends—just a hobby at first, but one that quickly sparked a full-fledged business. In 1989, Mark and his wife, Denise, officially launched Solar Shield, a window film and tinting company that would go on to shape how Minnesotans protect, cool, and enjoy their homes, vehicles, and commercial spaces.
More than three decades later, Solar Shield remains a family-run operation with a reputation built on integrity, professionalism, and practical results. Today, Mark’s son, Ryan, and son-in-law, Bobby Harnist, carry on the family legacy with the same commitment to excellence.
Helping Minnesotans Improve Their Environments
What started with cars has evolved into a much broader mission: helping Minnesotans improve their everyday environments—from home offices to storefronts to living rooms flooded with light. While many people think of window tinting as purely visual or only for vehicles, Solar Shield works hard to educate clients on its deeper benefits.
“We offer free on-site consultations because most people don’t even realize how much solar energy their home is battling,” Bobby explains. “It’s not just about privacy or appearance. It’s about comfort, protection, and energy savings.”
Window film can help reduce excessive heat gain, protect furnishings from sun fading, lower energy bills, and even cut down on glare so you can actually see your computer or TV screen in the middle of the day. For families who are constantly pulling the blinds or curtains shut just to keep a room livable, tinting offers a practical and lasting solution that makes the space far more usable and comfortable.
Helping Customers Enjoy the Sun
“There’s a moment I love in this job,” Bobby shares. “It’s when we install the film and a homeowner realizes they can finally open their shades again. They get to enjoy their views without squinting, sweating, or worrying about what the sun is doing to their furniture.”
That human connection—solving everyday problems and making people more comfortable in their own homes, is what makes Solar Shield different from other businesses in the window tinting space.
Unlike other companies that install generic film and leave you guessing, Solar Shield takes the time to walk each customer through their options. Their team of trained technicians knows the ins and outs of film types, UV ratings, and installation techniques, and they’re happy to make tailored recommendations. Whether you’re looking to cut down heat in a sunroom or add a subtle layer of privacy to your office windows, Solar Shield brings a personalized, hands-on approach.
Following Minnesota Guidelines
That’s true on the auto side of the business, too. While some tint shops prioritize speed over quality, Solar Shield is meticulous about following Minnesota’s legal guidelines and helping clients make smart, informed choices.
“We’re proud to say we do things ethically. That means making sure your tint meets legal standards and giving you the information you need to make the right decision,” Bobby says.
With a growing number of homes adding solar film for comfort and efficiency, and more businesses looking for glare control in open office plans, the Solar Shield team stays busy—but never too busy to offer a free consultation. Many homeowners have never even considered window tinting as an option, but once they learn about the energy savings, added comfort, and UV protection, they often wonder why they didn’t call sooner.
“If you’re feeling like a room in your house is unusable because of sun glare or heat, give us a call. We’d love to show you what window film can do,” Bobby adds.
From the family legacy that started it all to the personalized care they offer each client today, Solar Shield continues to prove that clear windows and cooler spaces really do come from a team that’s focused on more than just film.